DESIGNATED HITTER: The Astros' Lance Berkman has afreed to waive his notrade rights and accept a trade to the Yankees in return for two minor leaguers. The deal, which will make Berkman the club's primary designated hitter, will be announced today. Photo: Charles Wenzelberg

The Yankees have to wait until today to officially announce the Lance Berkman trade because of the Basic Agreement between MLB and the Players Association.

Article 19 of the agreement states that trades involving 10-and-5 players (10 years in the league and at least five with their current team) cannot be announced until 24 hours after the player gives his consent to waive his no-trade provision.

Berkman gave his consent yesterday to waive his no-trade rights to go from the Astros to the Yankees. The 24-hour window is designed to give the player a period of reflection after his consent, protecting him from signing away rights he may not have known he had.

Technically, Berkman could wake up today and change his mind, but that almost certainly will not happen.